Famed director and choreographer Busby Berkeley attending court to face three murder charges after he caused a car accident that resulted in fatalities after leaving a cocktail party. Witnesses reported smelling alcohol on Berkeley's breath at the time.
Gladys Carter, murder suspect, bowing her head and looking morose in a courtroom. Carter was charged with fatally shooting her houseguest of two years, Frances Walker. She suspected Walker of having a romantic relationship with her husband, Deputy Sheriff Archie Carter.
Gladys Carter, murder suspect, clutching a handkerchief in a courtroom. Carter was charged with fatally shooting her houseguest of two years, Frances Walker. She suspected Walker of having a romantic relationship with her husband, Deputy Sheriff Archie Carter.
Gladys Carter, murder suspect, clutching a handkerchief in a courtroom. Carter was charged with fatally shooting her houseguest of two years, Frances Walker. She suspected Walker of having a romantic relationship with her husband, Deputy Sheriff Archie Carter.
Gladys Carter, murder suspect, clutching a handkerchief in a courtroom. Carter was charged with fatally shooting her houseguest of two years, Frances Walker. She suspected Walker of having a romantic relationship with her husband, Deputy Sheriff Archie Carter.
Choreographer and film director Busby Berkeley being carried into his manslaughter trial on a stretcher. Busby was on trial for manslaughter after he was involved in a car crash where two women, Ada von Briesen and Peggy Daley, died.
21-year-old Louis Rude Payne (right) with District Attorney Buron Fitts at an inquest about Payne's confessed murder of his mother and younger brother with an ax.
21-year-old Louis Rude Payne (right) with District Attorney Buron Fitts at an inquest about Payne's confessed murder of his mother and younger brother with an ax.
Screenshot from a film used by the prosecution at the murder trial of DeWitt Clinton Cook. The film showed Cook (right) re-enacting his murder of dancer Anya Sosoyeva, who he hit on the head with a 2x4. Cook willingly confessed to the murder, as well as the assaults of two other women, Delia Bogard and Myrtle Wagner. This was the first time sound motion pictures were used during a trial in California history. The trial was also considered very unusual because Cook never denied the murder, personally offer a not guilty plea, or put up any defense. Cook was sentenced to death and executed in the San Quentin gas chamber on January 31, 1941, at age 21
Kynette can be seen wearing eyeglasses. Captain of Police Earle E. Kynette was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after the vehicle of Harry J. Raymond was bombed on January 14, 1938. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling. Two other officers, Fred Browne and Roy J. Allen, connected with the intelligence unit were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, Fred Browne was eventually acquitted. Kynette and Allen were both found guilty.